For the third consecutive 12 months, legislative efforts to introduce a on line casino in Fairfax County have failed. The newest try, Senate Invoice 982, aimed toward increasing Virginia’s casino-eligible localities to incorporate Fairfax County, was unanimously blocked by a Home subcommittee. This determination successfully removes the proposal from the 2025 legislative session.
Members of the Commerce, Agriculture & Pure Sources Subcommittee voted late Wednesday to halt SB 982, as confirmed by Delegate David Bulova (D-Fairfax). This determination prevents the invoice from continuing additional. Nevertheless, Senate Majority Chief Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon), who spearheaded the proposal, maintained optimism, stating, “The invoice might be introduced again and handed via Tuesday.”
The laws proposed the event of a 4-million-square-foot leisure advanced in Tysons, that includes a high-end lodge, a conference heart, live performance venues, eating places, retail area, and workforce housing. Inside this growth, 200,000 sq. ft have been designated for a on line casino. The mission was backed by Comstock Holding Firms, a Reston-based developer that has invested over $1.5 million since 2023 to advertise the laws.
Regardless of the monetary push, the proposal encountered resistance from a number of fronts, together with native representatives and advocacy teams. Opponents argued that the mission lacked thorough vetting and did not safe neighborhood help.
Sturdy Opposition from Lawmakers and Residents
Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax), cited by Patch, vocalized her opposition throughout the subcommittee listening to, later stating, “I used to be happy that the Home Appropriations Committee took the motion to kill the on line casino proposal. All alongside it was an unvetted mission. There was completely no assure that labor protections would occur. There was not a authentic unbiased research that offered evaluation. And at last, forcing one particular location for a significant land use with zero buy-in from the neighborhood doomed the mission from the beginning.”
Issues over transparency additionally emerged, notably concerning a monetary association between Comstock Holding Firms and George Mason College. Studies indicated that Comstock had compensated the college for a research supporting on line casino growth. Critics, together with Boysko, raised issues in regards to the integrity of the evaluation, questioning its objectivity.
Neighborhood teams equally voiced robust opposition. Paula Martino, president of the Tysons Stakeholders Alliance, expressed gratitude for the legislative determination, stating, “The voice of the individuals was lastly heard in the present day. Thanks to the Members of the Senate who voted no and to the Home of Delegates for listening to the 1000’s of Fairfax County residents who expressed their opposition to the Tysons on line casino laws.” She additional asserted that the invoice would have disrupted the county’s panorama and undermined native governance.
Lynne Mulston, chair of the No Fairfax On line casino Coalition, highlighted that the initiative didn’t originate from the native authorities, not like earlier Virginia on line casino approvals. As a substitute, she described it as a non-public developer-driven effort that conflicted with the county’s long-term city planning.
Legislative Roadblocks and Future Concerns
After the Virginia Senate authorised SB 982 with a 24-16 vote on February 4, the invoice was despatched to the Home Common Legal guidelines Committee. Nevertheless, Speaker Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) redirected it to the Home Appropriations Committee. On Wednesday, it was transferred once more to the Agriculture & Pure Sources Subcommittee, the place it in the end stalled.
This sample mirrors earlier legislative makes an attempt. In 2023, practically an identical payments have been launched by Senator Dave Marsden (D-Burke) and Delegate Wren Williams (R-Stuart), proposing an area referendum on the on line casino concern. These payments have been withdrawn resulting from robust public opposition. Marsden reintroduced the referendum proposal in 2024 below Senate Invoice 675, but it surely was postponed to the 2025 session. Equally, SB 982 sought to restrict the on line casino’s location to Tysons, however confronted renewed resistance.
Delegate Paul Krizek (D-Fairfax), a key member of the Home Appropriations subcommittee, acknowledged the financial potential of a on line casino however expressed reservations about Virginia’s gaming oversight. “I feel we have to get a robust regulatory framework set as much as oversee Virginia’s gaming business, which is rising,” he mentioned. Krizek proposed making a Virginia Gaming Fee to standardize business regulation earlier than contemplating additional enlargement.
Whereas proponents argued {that a} on line casino would generate substantial income and bolster Fairfax County’s financial system, opponents maintained that the realm’s present enterprise setting didn’t necessitate a on line casino. As Senator Saddam Azlan Salim (D-Fairfax) introduced the invoice’s defeat, he acknowledged constituents’ overwhelming suggestions, stating, “I lengthen my due to the 1000’s of constituents who contacted me and different Common Meeting members, sharing their positions on this matter.”
